Melissa McCarthy is an actress, producer and comedienne whose film career took off when she was cast in the movie Bridesmaids in 2011. Her performance as one of the more awkward and overzealous bridesmaids taking part in the wedding depicted in the film garnered her numerous award nominations, including an Oscar nod.

McCarthy's breakthrough role came in 2000, when she was asked to play Sookie in the television comedy-drama series Gilmore Girls. She would remain in the part for seven years, up until 2007. At this time she began portraying the character of Dena on the ABC sitcom Samantha Who?. Two years later, Melissa nabbed a starring role as one half of the title duo in the sitcom Mike & Molly (2010). Her performance on the show wound up earning her her first Emmy, which she won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.